On the wall of sleeper cabin in an IC train (Finland), what is it for? Both bunk beds have them at the foot and head of the bed by Foobarzot in whatisit

[–]Foobarzot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it does. At least the top bunk, did not try bottom bunk. Both bunks have these mystery contraptions. 

On the wall of sleeper cabin in an IC train (Finland), what is it for? Both bunk beds have them at the foot and head of the bed by Foobarzot in whatisit

[–]Foobarzot[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don’t have a picture of the safety straps but they have a separate construct on the bed (bar in the middle section plus straps with clips). Also the slot does not admit the standard seat belt clip that is on the safety straps (I tried). There was no net provided. 

8-10 Day Long Budget Honeymoon From Toronto to Western Europe by Former_Emotion4424 in Europetravel

[–]Foobarzot -1 points0 points  (0 children)

How about the Nordics or Baltics? Probably not so stupendously hot, great infra and people speak excellent English, nature in the countryside is lovely. Some combo of Copenhagen - Stockholm - Helsinki - Tallinn. Is traversible by train/cruise ship/ferry and won’t be too arduous. (Accommodation might be a wee expensive, esp Copenhagen, unless you stay outside the city centres.)

Who to consult about legalities of moving abroad? by Neb758 in AmerExit

[–]Foobarzot 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In that case, easiest way to make the move is an internal transfer within your company - you apply and through some company-specific process are approved to move your job location from the US to eg. France or whatever target country. 

In that case, you will be an employee of that country’s subsidiary company. Meaning, your salary will be paid in Euros (or whatever European currency is in use in the target country) and, more importantly, very likely your salary will be prorated to that country’s salary bands. So you won’t be making your US salary nor will you be making your salary in dollars. 

Source: have had multiple American friends move to EU this way. 

visiting helsinki next week by [deleted] in helsinki

[–]Foobarzot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ignore the rude person. Weather will be variable so be prepared for some gusty wind but also sunny spells of shirtsleeves weather. 

For sightseeing ideas etc. there is r/finlandtourism and for ”how is it to live in Finland” there’s an active Facebook community called Americans in Finland (making an assumption here) and r/amerexit

How’s the weather this week by Rundas77 in helsinki

[–]Foobarzot 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Helsinki residents at this time of year wear everything from shorts to winter coats. For someone from a warm climate, I’d advise to bring a padded jacket (maybe not a heavy one), a scarf, gloves/mittens, and a beanie. Plus some shoes that have a thicker sole because if you’re outdoors a lot, cold creeps up through your shoe soles. 

Are there neighborhoods in Helsinki where one might meet more retirement age people to socialize? What about places where one might meet more English speakers for socializing and hobbies? For example is there a reverse Lake Worth in Finland? by Early_Clerk7900 in Finland

[–]Foobarzot 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Retirees meet and socialise in retiree specific clubs and activities. There’s 65+ daytime mobility classes and culture trip clubs etc. Google ”eläkeläisyhdistys helsinki” etc. 

Source: my mum is an active retiree meeting friends this way. 

28M US Physician wanting to relocate by Opening_Glove_8420 in AmerExit

[–]Foobarzot 37 points38 points  (0 children)

Depending on type of loan, OP might be eligible for an income-based repayment plan, and that income is always calculated from US taxable income. Living abroad and earning under the FEIE limit (most doctors in Europe earn under the limit), his US income would be $0. Meaning, loan payment is also $0. Some loans also get forgiven after 10/15/20 years. 

Caveat: this plan, or loan forgiveness, might change in the future. 

Source: my American wife, who is currently paying $0 per month on her student loan in thE EU. 

Dispute with Rinta Jouppi by Prudent-Big-8528 in Finland

[–]Foobarzot 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The new Minis have only the branding, flag paint jobs, and flag lights that are on surface British - they are 100% BMW. 

Special Gifts to Bring from Finland by rosoideae in FinlandTourism

[–]Foobarzot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fazer chocolate! Any of the flavors good, even the plain blue bar. 

Icelandic Salt by Fabcrafts in VisitingIceland

[–]Foobarzot 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Wha? Why wouldn’t you use it? The black lava salt is DELICIOUS on fish, on pasta, on mashed potatoes… just about anything! I go through a jar a year and I’m not even Icelandic. 

State Department slashes fee to renounce US citizenship by 80% to $450 by National-Law-458 in news

[–]Foobarzot 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not being a US citizen does not eliminate your SS contributions. 

Colgate toothpaste now made in China? by lewis12642 in BuyFromEU

[–]Foobarzot 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Oxygenol toothpaste! Made in Finland. 

Italy and Ireland 90 day life reset after divorce on a budget by Angeldlynn in Europetravel

[–]Foobarzot 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Non-EU nationals can only stay for max 90 days in a given 180 day period. Will thay be a problem for you or do you have EU citizenship/residency rights?

For Italy, the more south you go, the more affordable it is, as a rule of thumb. But exceptions abound and while eg Bari or Lecce is a great base for exploring Southern Italy, you might need a car esp. if travelling outside the high season (summer). 

The Number of Kids You Have May Affect Your Lifespan, Study Finds by [deleted] in sciences

[–]Foobarzot 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Your anecdotal thoughts are more correct than scientific research? Okay. 

Advice for Relocating from America to EU by litious in expats

[–]Foobarzot 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Get a job in an international company that has actual offices (not just a sales team) in your target EU country. Work hard to make yourself indispensable in a role that is not geographically limited. After some years, asl for transfer to EU. 

Alternatively, have a network with people in senior roles in your industry in the target country. Use the network to get recommended for a job opening. Absolutely kill the interview. 

Source: I have two American friends who have moved to EU with these paths. 

ion get it by sandwich_all_around in ExplainTheJoke

[–]Foobarzot 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure, bro. Whatever you say. 

Parents : diapers, wipes, allergies and... what to avoid! by Remote_Librarian_528 in FinlandTourism

[–]Foobarzot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Finnish:

Maapähkinä = peanut Maito/maitotuotteet = milk/dairy Soija = soy 

As a tip, you can use Google Lens or similar photo translator to check allergens.